San Bruno, CA — January 30, 2025, a young teen was injured following a pedestrian versus garbage truck accident at around 3:30 p.m. along Niles Avenue.

According to authorities, a 13-year-old boy was on foot in the vicinity of the Niles Avenue and Beech Avenue intersection when the accident took place.

Details surrounding the accident remain scarce. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the boy was struck by a garbage truck. He suffered reportedly serious injuries due to the collision. It doesn't appear that anyone else was hurt. Additional information pertaining to this incident is not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a pedestrian is hit by a garbage truck, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, crashes like this often involve factors that aren’t immediately obvious from the scene alone.

One of the first things investigators should determine is whether the driver was paying full attention. Garbage trucks operate in busy residential areas, making frequent stops and starts. Drivers rely on mirrors, cameras, and spotters to monitor their surroundings, but even a momentary lapse in attention can have serious consequences. Reviewing dashcam footage, GPS data, and phone records could help determine whether distraction played a role.

Another critical factor is visibility. Garbage trucks have large blind spots, and if the driver failed to check those areas before moving, they may not have seen the pedestrian in time. Investigators should look into whether the truck was equipped with adequate safety features, such as cameras and proximity sensors, and whether the driver was properly trained to use them.

Fatigue may also be worth considering. Garbage truck drivers often work long hours on tight schedules. If a driver was drowsy or mentally exhausted, their reaction time and awareness could have been compromised. Reviewing the driver’s work schedule and hours behind the wheel could help determine whether fatigue was a contributing factor.

The garbage collection company’s role should also be scrutinized. Did they provide proper safety training for their drivers? Were they enforcing reasonable schedules, or were drivers under pressure to move quickly at the expense of safety? Investigating hiring practices, training protocols, and company policies could reveal whether this crash was an isolated event or part of a larger pattern.

Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the crash. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain critical evidence, it’s essential to examine every factor to ensure those impacted by the incident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.